3 Reasons That the Holidays are the Worst Time for Oral Health

For many people, it’s become something of a tradition to schedule checkups and dental cleanings in January. While there are several reasons why this may be the case, one of the more popular theories is that the holiday season is just the absolute worst time of year for oral health, which makes people want to undo the damage when the new year begins. As it turns out, there are a variety of reasons why that may be the case. If you’re curious, here are three ways that the holidays can be hard on your teeth.

Dry Mouth

When the temperature drops, the air starts to get drier and drier. Whether you know it or not, this can have significant negative effects on your oral health. Dry air can lead to a dry mouth, which means you have less saliva available to wash away food particles. Instead, that food will linger in the mouth, feeding the decay-causing bacteria that live there. During the holidays, consider keeping a bottle of water on you to stave off dehydration and prevent dry mouth.

Red Wine

The holidays are a time to kick back and relax, and there’s no better way to do that than with a glass of red wine. That said, having too much to drink can have consequences for your oral health. Much like dry air, alcohol can reduce the amount of moisture in the mouth, which can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Too much alcohol has also been linked to more serious oral health problems, including oral cancer. Last but not least, red wine is infamous for leaving stains on teeth, so if you aren’t careful, a few glasses could discolor your teeth. If you’re concerned about your oral health, drinking a glass of water with your wine and brushing your teeth directly afterward can be helpful. And of course, it’s never a bad idea to try cutting back a little.

Sticky Sweets

At every holiday party, cake, candy, and pie seem almost impossible to avoid. Those sticky sugars can feed bacteria in the mouth, and those bacteria secrete acids that lead to tooth decay. While enjoying dessert in moderation should be fine, you should try and fill up on turkey and other holiday foods beforehand. That should reduce the temptation to snack.

While the case could be made that the holidays are a uniquely bad time of year for oral health, you can still be fine if you maintain good oral hygiene. Along with the tips provided above, remember to brush twice a day and floss daily, and you should be fine.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Heil is a dedicated dentist with over 20 years of experience in his field. He takes the time to understand his patients not just as a set of teeth, but as people. Dr. Heil is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, and he’s completed a general practice residency at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. He’s also completed continuing education courses in all aspects of general dentistry. If you have any questions about taking care of your teeth over the holidays, Dr. Heil can be reached at his website, or by phone at (920) 235-0320.